NEWS RELEASE
November 16, 2018
The Valley Reads Book Club
The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to present its monthly book club, The Valley Reads on Tuesday, November 27th, in its Learning Center.
A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towels, follows Count Alexander Rostov’s life post-aristocracy. While adjusting to his new life, confined in the attic of a luxurious hotel, the count ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
November 16, 2018
Santa Maria Public Library Hosts Author Book Discussion and Signing
Author Lori Ciccarelli Stotko will discuss the book Myself, My Responsibility- Tools to Self-Advocate, at the City of Santa Maria Public Library in Shepard Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1st.
The author, a former elementary school teacher, created a simple four-step process to ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
November 16, 2018
City Recognizes Employee for “Going the Extra Mile”
The City of Santa Maria is pleased to recognize Community Programs Manager Rosie Rojo of the Special Projects Division as the newest recipient of its Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award. She will receive a certificate and recognition at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 20th.
Rosie was instrumental in ...read more

Santa Maria, Calif. – Nov. 14, 2018 – Central Coast families can witness history in the making at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum’s Mars InSight landing party on Monday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NASA’s latest mission to Mars—InSight—is expected to land on the Red Planet at 11:45 a.m., and the Discovery Museum staff will be airing it live on the Vandenberg Launch Experience 90” ...read more

Shop local this holiday season! Blast 825 Brewery (formally Rooney’s Irish Pub) in Oructt serves up delicious food and a wide variety of craft beer! They have great speiclas like their Sunday Brunch. Their gift cards make great gifts this holiday season, and they even offer a special where you get a FREE $25 gift card for buying $100 worth of gift cards!
“We think it’s important for the community ...read more

Now Playing
through December 23
Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
You won't want to miss this innovative new production of the high-flying musical,
Peter Pan.
Bring the family to a place where dreams are born and time is never planned
and create a lifetime of memories.
Young and old alike will relish the sense of magic and youthful joy that is Peter Pan.Click for more info, videos, and ...read more

NOVEMBER 29, 2018
At Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa – Pismo Beach Hotel
Leadership has many attributes worthy of discussing. One that’s essential is the ability to have productive and collaborative meetings. Ed Halpin, a 35-year Utility veteran, has a passion for helping teams be successful as well as a track record of noteworthy accomplishments. His experiences are blended into a workshop that ...read more

This holiday season, join us in supporting local business by choosing ot #ShopSantaMaria!
Woody's Butcher Block stocks super premium products including premium meats and upscale provisions. They are located at 700 E. Main Street, Suite 104 in Santa Maria. Woody's is the perfect choice for making a memorable holiday meal, or their gift cards make the perfect present for the chef in your ...read more

Edible Arrangements makes for a unique and delicious gift this holiday season! Located at 530 E. Betteravia Rd., Ste B-1, the store offers a variety of edible boquets, gift boxes and more for every occasion!
“We make fruit bouquets that are as beautiful as flowers but you can eat them.” Said owner George Muranaka.
Edible Arrangements believes its important to #ShopLocal and #ShopSantaMaria ...read more

NEWS RELEASENovember 8, 2018Lights, Sights, & Holiday Nights Decorating Contest ‘Tis the season to be jolly and spread holiday cheer throughout the community! The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Park Department and Recreation and Parks Commission invite community members to decorate their homes and businesses in the spirit of the season. Awards will be given to winners in the following ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
November 6, 2018
City to Hold Final H-2A Community Forum
The City of Santa Maria will be hosting its final meeting to discuss the H-2A temporary worker program, its importance to the region’s agricultural operations, and its potential impacts in City neighborhoods. The Federal H-2A program allows American employers or agents who ...read more

Small Business Saturday is November 24th, and the Chamber is celebrating local business throughout the month of November and encouraging people to #ShopSantaMaria.
This holiday season, local credit union SESLOC is promoting their HomeFREE Checking program – a program that is truly free checking, plus you get BONUS rewards and FREE Identitiy Theft Services.
While it's not an actual "gift" you can ...read more

NEWS RELEASENovember 6, 2018Community Meetings about Fireworks The City of Santa Maria is scheduling two community meetings on the topic of fireworks, to provide basic information on the current state of affairs regarding both legal and illegal fireworks, and to receive input from the public. The two meetings are scheduled as follows: •Tuesday, November 13th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Minami ...read more

CENTRAL COAST – In honor of Veteran’s Day, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab would like to thank our veterans and current military personnel by offering them a FREE ICE CREAM CONE on November 11, 2018 at any of our three locations: San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande. Veterans and current active duty individuals just show a proof of service or military I.D. and Doc’s will graciously scoop ...read more

November 11th & 12th
Remember and Honor Our VeteransFree Food on our Special Veteran’s Day MenuPlus, it's always 15% off for those in uniform (military, police, and firefighters)! Blast 825 Brewery is located at 241 S. Broadway St. Ste 101, Orcutt, California 93455. For More information visit: rooneysirishpub.net

NEWS RELEASE
November 5, 2018
Mahoney Road Closure Scheduled for November 6th for Roadway Maintenance
Drivers are advised of upcoming detours, because Mahoney Road will be closed from Betteravia Road to Black Road on Tuesday, November 6th from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The roadway maintenance closure will require a traffic detour, to travel west on Betteravia Road and south on Black Road. ...read more

The Chamber Ambassador program recently recognized Allison Borja of Morris & Garritano as Ambassador of the Quarter!
Here's a bit about Alli:Hello fellow chamber members! My name is Alli Borja, and I'm a proud ambassador for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. I am a second generation Central Coast native and was raised in Arroyo Grande with my parents, Sonny and ...read more

Thursday, November 15, 11:30 to 1:30: Green Business Lunch & Learn, Santa Maria Business Development Center, 731 S. Lincoln Street, Santa Maria. A lunch-time workshop to introduce businesses to the certification process and learn from our local experts what it takes to become a Green Business.
We will have presentations on the certification process, recycling & purchasing, energy ...read more

We don't want you to miss
An Evening in Neverland
the Opening Night Gala Performance of Peter Pan!
Back by Popular Demand, you won't want to miss the
Opening Night, Gala Performance of Peter Pan!
Guests will experience a red carpet welcome, pre-show reception with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, sparkling wine, raffles and more, while supporting the world-class training and artistry at ...read more

Small Business Saturday is November 24th, and the Chamber is celebrating local business throughout the month of November and encouraging people to #ShopSantaMaria.
PCPA Theatre is a great local option for entertainment. Located on Allan Hancock College Campus, the local theatre puts on a variety of impressive productions throughout the year. They are presenting that wonderful family musical, ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 31, 2018
Letters to Veterans
The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Letters to Veterans event. Patrons are welcome to visit and create letters that will be mailed to veterans in appreciation of the veterans’ service to the country. Stationery, pens, pencils and postage will be provided at the event.
Letters to Veterans will ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 31, 2018
Author Talk and Book Signing
The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to present an author talk and book signing on Thursday, November 8th, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Shepard Hall.
Author Steve Corbett will discuss his book Blood Red Syrah: a Gruesome California Wine Country Thriller. Seating for this exciting and free event is limited, and available on a ...read more

Statics show that small businesses employ about 51% of the workforce, those small businesses range from 500 to 2 employees, and serve their local communities well.
We hear the phrase ‘Shop Local’ and we know it’s important, but do we truly understand how shopping local enriches our community?
Small business is the driving force of our country and our local economy. Small businesses fill ...read more

When you think of the ingredients in the bar or soap you use every day, goats milk probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. And beer is an even less likely thought. But, for Foxen Canyon Soap Company, these ingredients are prominent in their skincare products.
The family run business is located in Sisquoc, California, and produces artisan soaps and skincare products formulated with ...read more

Joy by the Spoonful is bringing new life and ease to eating healthy eating. The local company creates and delivers healthier meal options for residents of the Santa Maria Valley, whether at work, at home or as a gift.
“I think what makes us unique is that we are the epitome of a small family business. - it’s just me and my adult son planning the meals, doing all the shopping, the prepping, ...read more

The class of 2019 for Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) had their Arts & Culture Topic Day on October 5, 2018. The day started at the Minerva Club, which is one of the oldest clubs operated by women in the Santa Maria Valley.
Interestingly enough, the Minerva Club was started on October 5, 1894, 124 years ago to the exact day that the class visited. The class was greeted with a lovely ...read more

Just a quick note regarding a great opportunity to promote any job openings you have! The Chamber is working with the County Workforce Development Board as they assist employees of a local retailer who is closing soon with finding new employment in Santa Maria.
If you have any positions available, please send flyers/information about the job opportunities to alma@sbcwdb.org by no later than 12 ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 31, 2018
Movie Night at the Library on November 12th
The City of Santa Maria Public Library is pleased to show the movie Coco (2017) which is rated PG. The film will be screened on Monday, November 12th at 5:00 p.m. in Shepard Hall. This event is free and no tickets are required.
In the film, a boy accidentally gets transported to the world of the dead, and with ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 31, 2018
Library’s Adult Coloring Program in November
The City of Santa Maria Public Library is continuing to offer the Adult Coloring Program twice during the month of November. The programs are scheduled for Wednesday, November 14th and Wednesday, November 28th from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in Shepard Hall.
The coloring activities are designed to relieve stress and provide a ...read more

Join us for a day of FREE FUN!! Every 1 st & 3rd Sunday of the Month 11am-6pm! #128227;#128308;#128312;FREE Bounce House#128312;FREE Fun crafts#128312;FREE Games While the kids are playing in our heated outdoors you can enjoy wall to wall coverage of the game on our 70" TVs! Come on, have some fun at Blast. Life's Too Short...Have A Blast!!!#128522;We're located at 241 S. Broadway, Old ...read more

SOLVANG – Cottage Health has opened Santa Ynez Cardiology, a new medical cardiology outpatient clinic at 2040 Viborg Road in Solvang.
The new clinic welcomes Dr. Thomas Watson, a board-certified cardiologist who has been a member of the Cottage medical staff since 1984. He received his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Letterman ...read more

Santa Maria Library
December 1st at 11:00am
“The importance of teaching self-advocacy as a life skill has proven valuable over the years raising a child with special needs,” says author Lori Ciccarelli Stotko, MPS, and mother to 29-year old JJ on the autism spectrum.
Join the Santa Maria Library on Saturday, 12/1st at 11:00 for a presentation by the author on her newly published book, “Myself, ...read more

COMING SOON!
November 8 - December 23
Marian Theatre, Santa Maria
The 55th season opens with an innovative new production of the high-flying musical,
Peter Pan.
You will be surrounded by the magic as Peter whisks the Darling children away to swashbuckling adventures in Neverland. Share this holiday production with the entire family for memories to last a lifetime.
click for more info ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 24, 2018
Partnership for Inclusive Playground to have Kick Off
The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the Santa Maria Kiwanis for Kids Foundation will unveil plans for their fundraising campaign to build an inclusive playground for children and young adults with disabilities. The event is planned for on Sunday, October 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 25, 2018
22nd Annual Turkey Trot Fun Run
The People for Leisure and Youth, Inc., invite runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to the 22nd Annual Turkey Trot Fun Run on Saturday, November 17th at Jim May Park, 809 Stanford Drive.
The 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. and is open to participants ages 14 and older. The one-mile fun run starts at 9:45 a.m. and is open to ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 25, 2018
Upcoming Switch to Groundwater and Water System Flushing
From November 2nd - 19th, the State of California Department of Water Resources will perform maintenance of the State Water distribution system pipeline. During this time, the City of Santa Maria will provide 100 percent of the water supply from the groundwater basin. City water users may notice a ...read more

Santa Maria, CA – The Miller Family, a multi-generational California farming family, is proud to announce the creation of the Miller Family Wine Company, a new division of the industry-leading Thornhill Companies as the company celebrates its 50th year in business.
Recognized as one of California’s most premier winegrowing families, The Miller Family is a fifth generation California farming ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 23, 2018
Adult Coloring Program at the Los Alamos Branch Library
The Los Alamos Branch Library is offering an Adult Coloring Program. The next programs are scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd and November 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The coloring activities are designed to relieve stress and provide a creative and artistic outlet for adults of all ages. Patrons ...read more

#127875;Join us for Kid's Halloween on October 27th at Blast825!#127875; FREE Bounce House to play in from 12pm-6pmFREE Face Painting 2pm-6pmFREE Balloon GiveawayFREE Candy for Trick-O-TreatersOn October 31st All kids in costume will get a FREE kid's meal with the purchase of 1 adult entree & drink (Max 2 FREE kid's meal per adult purchase). We're Located at 241 S. Broadway, Orcutt(805) ...read more

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is committed to representing the interests of our members and the general business community to legislators and government officials. Working with other local chambers and our partners at the California Chamber of Commerce, we work to ensure elected leaders understand the business impacts of proposed legislation before they cast their vote. Our objective is to ...read more

Attendees of
Costco Wholesale 30 Year Anniversary in the City of Santa Maria
are invited to a
SPECIAL EVENT!
October 24
Wednesday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join at this event to receive an exclusive offer for new members.
Experience what Costco has to offer.
Please R.S.V.P. to the contact listed below
Questions: Contact information is listed below
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AT THIS EVENT:
Join as a new ...read more

Potpourri: A collection of things that aren't the same, a mixed bag.
Award winning watercolor artist Janice Howard paints a variety of subjects including birds, missions, floral, landscapes and more. Howard's colorful works have been exhibited and sold in Japan, Germany, Ireland and of course the United States. Her career brought her to France where her passion for painting en plein air was ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 18, 2018
Great California ShakeOut hits City Departments
Today’s “Great California ShakeOut” caused hundreds of City of Santa Maria employees to Drop, Cover and Hold On for 30 seconds and then assess their preparedness. To prepare for serving the community in a disaster, a drill at the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) emphasized communication, resource coordination, ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 18, 2018
Career Vision Workshop
A Career Vision workshop will be held on Friday, November 9th from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Shepard Hall at the City of Santa Maria Public Library. The four-hour employment workshop will present innovative and imaginative ideas that turn the job search process from reactive to proactive.
Participants will embark on an uplifting and ...read more

NEWS RELEASE
October 19, 2018
City to Hold Fourth H-2A Community Forum
The City of Santa Maria will be hosting its fourth meeting to discuss the H-2A temporary worker program, its importance to the region’s agricultural operations, and its potential impacts in City neighborhoods. The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 1st from 5:30 ...read more

The November general election is just weeks away. In addition to electing local leaders, we will also have a chance to weigh in on local ballot questions that will drive investments in local higher education and public safety. And, of course, there are the statewide elections and ballot measures that will make up a significant portion of the ballot this year.We recognize that the outcomes of ...read more

One of the key elements of the Chamber’s mission is to be a Champion for our Community. Delivering on that commitment takes on many different forms, including advocating for decisions that will strengthen the community in the long-run.
The Chamber board of directors met that standard recently when it voted to endorse two key community investments … Measure U (City of Santa Maria) and Measure Y ...read more

October is National Energy Awareness Month. It was first adopted in 1991 by the Whitehouse to encourage government and organizations to raise awareness of the importance of sustainably managing the nation’s energy resources. Since then, it has expanded to include everyone.
It is an important time for all businesses and households to consider ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy ...read more

What is the RMDZ?The RMDZ (Recycling Market Development Zone) is a program funded through the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). The RMDZ program provides low interest loans and technical assistance to firms that use recycled materials to make new products or that prevent or reduce waste as part of the manufacturing process.
What is the Purpose of the RMDZ ...read more

The 2019 class of Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) started of their year of topic days with a tour of Vandenberg Air Force Base on September 7th. Mr. Michael Stonecypher, from the 30th Space Wing’s Public Affairs Office was our tour guide for the day.
After boarding a bus at the main gate, we were taken to the headquarters of the 30th Space Wing and Col. Bob Reeves, 30SW/CV, briefed the class ...read more

Central Coast AirFest, a two-day airshow, will take place on the weekend of October 6th and 7th at the Santa Maria Airport. This is the first annual AirFest, and it will introduce a new era of air shows to the Central Coast.
Headlining the event will be the Canadian Snowbirds, Canada’s iconic 431 Air Demonstration and Military Aerobatics Squadron.
“We are really excited to have the Snowbirds ...read more

The City of Guadalupe and the Santa Barbara County Energy Watch Partnership held its second annual community outreach event on the evening of June 26, 2018, which was held in the gymnasium at City Hall.
All residents and businesses in attendance were provided an energy efficiency overview by the Partnership, PG&E, SoCalGas, Staples Energy, American Eco, the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara ...read more

In the summer of 2017, the devastating Whittier Fire roared over hills and through canyons of eighteen thousand acres of dry California land near Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara County. At Circle V Ranch, children attending a week-long retreat and staff found themselves trapped in the path of the approaching blaze. With the assistance of firefighters and the Forestry Service, all of them were able ...read more

Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s Class of 2019 kicked off with the program’s annual retreat, this year taking place at Camp Whittier. The weekend retreat gave the incoming class the opportunity to learn more about the program, begin developing more leadership skills, and bond with their classmates.
The class of 20 emerging leaders, ranging in age, background and career fields, spent three days at ...read more

The Santa Barbara Foundation recently held a seminar for local businesses and Veterans on “Why Hiring Veterans Makes Sense”. We talked with Katy Simas, North Country Direct of the Santa Barbara Foundation, about the event and the importance of connecting our Veterans to job opportunities in Santa Maria. Why did the Santa Barbara Foundation feel it was important to hold a seminar on hiring ...read more

Cash is no longer king
In the same way payments of the past have come and gone, cash is becoming a less desirable payment option for consumers. A whopping 46% of people surveyed say they rarely or never use cash, and 20% said they don’t even carry it with them. Since the use of cash is dwindling, people have turned to other methods of payment.
How do people want to spend?
Instead of cash, ...read more

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala will pay tribute to those making a positive impact on the Santa Maria Valley community. The red carpet awards ceremony takes place September 13th from 6pm to 9pm at Marian Theatre (PCPA) on Allan Hancock College Campus.
“We look forward every year to this event when we get a chance to highlight some of the people and organizations that ...read more

For individuals and businesses, the region is the functional unit in which we live and operate. Many of us wake up in one city, work in another, and dine, shop and play in many. We regularly drive across city and county borders without a thought or a care. Our businesses serve marketplaces, both large and small, that depend upon suppliers, workers and customers who rarely reside in a single ...read more

Members of the community came together in July to support the Dunes Center’s educational programs at their annual fundraiser gala. The event was sponsored by local businesses and organizations including Aera Energy, Community Carpenters, and Chevron.
Guests dressed in period attire and enjoyed jazz and signature cocktails to celebrate the arrival of the Dunes Center’s newest addition – a 300-lb ...read more

Talk a bit about yourself. What do you do professionally and what are your hobbies?
My name is Kira Farrell and I’m proud to be the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for CASA of Santa Barbara County. I manage and create our online and print advertisements, website, social media accounts, and participate in many outreach opportunities to help recruit more volunteers to advocate for children ...read more

Here are 5 tips for increasing prices without inspiring rage.
1. Tell the truth.
More and more customers are willing to pay a bit extra for products or services they deem worth the cost. Clothing retailer Everlane, for instance, enjoys massive success among millennial consumers by promoting its commitment to using sustainable fabrics and ethical factories. Everlane can charge more than ...read more

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is excited to welcome Yarely Corona as their new Tourism Coordinator.Born and raised in Santa Maria, Corona has deep roots in the local community. She graduated from Cal Poly with a B.S in Agricultural Business and worked 5 years for the California Strawberry Commission as their Events & Outreach Coordinator.
Corona says that as the ...read more

WARNING: Beginning August 30, 2018, new Proposition 65 regulations will take effect that significantly overhaul longstanding warning regulations and depart from the rules that businesses have relied on for decades.
Accordingly, it is imperative that businesses operating or selling into California reassess and potentially overhaul their long-established Proposition 65 compliance programs before ...read more

Summer is here! The weather is getting hotter, and while some employees fight over the office temperature, others may angle for a more casual dress code.
How does your company feel about tank tops and flip-flops?
Every workplace differs. Do your employees need to wear professional business attire every workday? Or is your environment more casual?
In the last five years, jeans, tennis shoes ...read more

Join the Santa Barbara Foundation and Sara McNamara, a Military Transition, Inclusion and Retention Strategist, to learn about the military to civilian transition mindset and employer readiness factors for hiring and retaining veterans. During a facilitated networking session, you will have the opportunity to meet transitioning active military members and recently separated ...read more

Santa Maria is continuing to take the initiative to make sure our local youth are ready for summer employment and beyond.
This June, the Career Pathways for Youth program put on their second annual Santa Maria Youth Summit. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the program provides positive summer employment preparation activities for ...read more

On June 1, 2018, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) Class of 2018 held a topic day centered-around leadership. The class learned about the importance of different leadership skills from local Santa Maria Valley leaders and had the opportunity to apply their skills in mock-interviews.
The LSMV class started its day at the Radisson hotel who graciously donated the meeting space. The class ...read more

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program serves as the public relations arm of the Chamber. With over 30 business members currently serving as Ambassadors in the program, the volunteer program remains instrumental in helping the Chamber serve the 800+ business members in their growing organization. Chief Ambassador Erika Weber as been with the program for 15 years now, and ...read more

Two years ago, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber recognized a need to better engage with local young professionals and emerging leaders. As a result, Santa Maria Connect! SMVCC’s Emerging Professionals Network, was created. The program offers monthly events that include networking, presentations from community leaders, site tours of local businesses, and more.
This year, in conjunction with Santa ...read more

Join the Chamber and over a hundred other local businesses and become a certified Green Business through the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County! There are many benefits to Green Business certification including:
Save money by saving water and electricity and creating less wasteImprove employee wellness and productivity by reducing chemical use and creating a more sustainable work ...read more

Forty-one percent of employers plan to hire seasonal workers for the summer and 88 percent expect to transition some of those summer hires into permanent roles, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey.
Why are employers transitioning workers from seasonal to permanent? “Employers are grappling with a tough hiring environment, and summer workers are reaping the benefits,” said Irina ...read more

Throughout California, local cities and counties continue to pass ordinances relating to minimum wage, paid sick leave, criminal background checks and more. On July 1, 2018, several local minimum wage rates will increase, and two new local ordinances will go into effect.
Minimum Wage Increases
The following cities and county will increase their minimum wage on July 1 to:Emeryville: $15.69/hour ...read more

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, and Economic Development Commission are led by a unified Board of Directors, made up of senior executives from member companies and partner organizations. The Board provides strategic and policy guidance to ensure the Chamber’s program of work serves the best interest of our members and the Santa Maria Valley community.
New Board ...read more

Santa Maria, CA - Dunkin’ Donuts will celebrate its Grand Opening in Santa Maria on June 12, 2018. Located at 1486 S. Broadway, the national coffee and donut chain will be open from 6am to 10pm on June 12th, and have a Ribbon Cutting Celebration at 11am.
“We are super excited to be opening here in Santa Maria,” said Santa Maria Franchisee Kirsten Tharp. “It’s exciting to have to opportunity to ...read more

2018 President’s Circle Award Recognizes Excellence in Business Advocacy, Helping Members Comply with Labor LawsThe Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce was one of just 28 local chambers recognized this month by the California Chamber of Commerce as recipients of the 2018 President’s Circle Award. This represents the third consecutive year that SMVCC has received this recognition.
The ...read more

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce operates and administers the Santa Barbara County Energy Watch Partnership, and recently the agency once again showed that it is leading by example. The Chamber upgraded its lighting to new, modern LED panels to replace standard 4ft tubes. This upgrade provides cleaner, consistent lighting while at the same time saving energy.
Staples Energy, the ...read more

After nearly six years of discussion and debate, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved a standard on "Hotel Housekeeping Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention." The final regulation was recently approved by the Office of Administrative Law and will be effective July 1.
Requirements
As a preliminary matter, the new standard applies to "lodging establishments," which it defines as establishments ...read more

Glenn Morris, President/CEO, Santa Maria Valley Chamber
One of the core elements of the Chamber’s updated mission is to be a Convener of leaders and influencers, specifically on issues that impact the broader business and employer community.
What is a convener? One definition I like says a convener is an individual or group responsible for bringing people together to address an issue, problem, ...read more

So You Think You Failed? Think Again! Music Executive & Entrepreneur Natalie Edell to Speak at Young Professionals Event in Santa Maria
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Local young professionals will have a chance to hear from music executive & entrepreneur Natalie Edell at an upcoming Santa Maria Connect! Emerging Professionals networking event. Edell began her journey in the music business at only 18 ...read more

A Gripping Success Story: Mob Armor Sees Growth & Expansion in Santa Maria
A local manufacturing company has a tight grip on success. Mob Armor provides heavy duty holders for smartphones and tablets. Their recent product line growth has allowed the business to expand locally.
“We have taken a new approach to smartphone and tablet holding devices,” explained Trevor Orrick, Vice President ...read more

Global E-Commerce Summit
Entrepreneurship in the New Era
May 11, 2018, 9:00 – 2:30
Marriott Hotel, 555 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA
Join us for the 2018 Global E-commerce Summit to learn from the industry leaders how to assess your global e-commerce readiness, and how to navigate the journey from domestic product to exported product using global e-commerce best practices.
FREE EVENT, RSVP ...read more

SANTA MARIA, CA – April 17, 2018 – The Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) Class of 2018 is partnering with Good Samaritan Shelter of Santa Maria to promote “Bikes for Success.” This unique project is geared to give the residents of Good Samaritan (Good Sam) an opportunity to securely store their bicycles as they begin their process of transitioning into wellness and wholeness. Through ...read more

SAVE THE DATE - 4/25 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPOn Wednesday, April 25, 2018, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm we’ll be hosting a Downtown Streetscape Plan Open House at Shepard’s Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 South McClelland Street. You will have an opportunity to provide feedback on concept plans for Broadway and Main Street!
Spread the word! Please forward this message to a friend or neighbor that ...read more

The Power of Play:Makerspace Movement Gains Steam in Santa Maria
Local community groups are teaming up to encourage creative minds to come together and innovate. The Makerspace Movement has come to the Central Coast, and thanks to a recent grant, has really begun to gain traction in Santa Maria.
“Makerspaces and the movement associated with them are deceptively simple--they are places for ...read more

Serving Our Community: Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2018 Explores Local Government
On March 2, 2018, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2018 heard firsthand from the public servants and thinkers that shape the city of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara. Spanning from local to Federal government issues, the Class of 2018 was in for a treat after a delicious breakfast ...read more

Santa Barbara County Energy Watch Partnership Q&A
Q: What is the Chamber’s role in the Partnership?
A: The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is under contract with PG&E and SoCalGas to act as administrator for the program and to manage the Partnership. The Chamber is responsible for outreach, facilitating the program, and working with municipalities.
Q: Who is included in the ...read more

World of Pinot Noir Done Santa Maria Style!
The annual World of Pinot Noir event gathered the planet’s foremost Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers, renowned chefs, sommeliers and leading wine scholars in a weekend-long seaside celebration. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, Calif. was filled with approximately 2,500 wine lovers, enthusiasts, industry professionals and more.
In March 2018, ...read more

Young Professionals Spotlight:Mayra Ramos, Harvest Community Center
What is your profession/job title and how long have you been with the company?
I serve as the Assistant Director for Harvest Community Center, the small nonprofit with a big heart! I have been with this nonprofit for a year now – times flies when you are having fun!
What is your favorite thing about your job?
What I enjoy ...read more

Caliber Home Loans Offers Variety, Flexibility in Lending
We recently welcomed Caliber Home Loans to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting! Caliber Home Loans is a full service mortgage lender and a direct lender located in Santa Maria.
“We do everything from Jumbo Loans to Conventional Loans to FHA, VA loans”, explained Eddie San Jose, Senior Loan Consultant at Caliber Home Loans.
“We also have ...read more

Following major tax reform in December 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is asking employers to remind workers that a “paycheck checkup” might be necessary to make sure they have the right amount of tax taken out of their paychecks. The new tax law could affect how much tax someone should have their employer withhold from their paycheck. Having too little tax withheld could mean a tax ...read more

How to Get Big Results with a Tiny Marketing DepartmentSmall businesses tend to take the lean approach to marketing. They don’t outsource it much, and they often underfund it.42% of the small businesses surveyed by Wasp Barcode Technologies invest less than 3% of their revenue into marketing and only 14% them outsource their marketing, public relations and advertising. This is different from how ...read more

Chamber partnering with Workforce Development Board to Understand Business NeedsThe Chamber is partnering with the county Workforce Development Board to gather information from local employers which will help us better understand your collective needs as they relate to staffing and successfully operating your business.
BW Research has been contracted to assist in this research project and is ...read more

Recruiting, interviewing and hiring new employees involve significant legal risks if not handled properly. In fact, California has stricter protections for job applicants than federal laws do — even more so since January 1, 2018.
Are you certain you know what you can ask in an interview and what personal information you can request? No business wants to open itself to a costly discrimination ...read more

Labor Market Report January 2018
Yesterday, the State of California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its Monthly Press Release on Unemployment and Industry Sector job growth/decline in Santa Barbara County.
The unemployment rate for January was 4.9%, up from a revised 4.3% in December, and below the year-ago rate of 6.2%. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of ...read more

Demonstrating Compliance Leaves No Shred of Doubt About Your Businesses’ Security
These days, identity theft, email hacks and the illegal use of personal information has become commonplace. Headlines about major companies being hacked or putting their clients’ personal information at risk of exposure have become more and more frequent. As a business owner, are you doing all you can to protect the ...read more

Leadership Santa Maria Valley Topic Day Explores Business and Economic Development
On February 2, 2018, the Business and Economic Topic Day brought to life the experiences of local businesses to the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2018.
The day started with a complimentary breakfast provided by Starry Sky Coffee Company. Owner Steven Funkhouser, who serves on the Leadership Santa Maria ...read more

Board Member Profile: Erika Weber, VTC EnterprisesWhat is your profession/job title and how long have you been with the company?My current position is Development Associate, meaning I am responsible for marketing and fundraising for the organization. I have been with VTC Enterprises (VTC) since 1999 when I started as a Sales and Marketing Associate to develop and secure contracts and work places ...read more

Upcoming Chamber Events Educate, Recognize and Give Back to Local Community
Year after year the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce presents an amazing calendar of events and forums to educate and facilitate networking opportunities for the members of our business community.
2018 is no different. This year we are focused on key elements that will help our businesses be proactive, engaged to ...read more

Young Professionals Spotlight: Ryan Miller, San Luis Sports TherapyWhat is your profession/job title and how long have you been with your company?
I have worked with San Luis Sports Therapy since 2010. I started as a volunteer while studying Kinesiology at Cal Poly and have held various clinical jobs including PT aide, front office assistant, and medical transcriptionist. Following 3 years of ...read more

HomeBridge Financial Services Bridges the Gap for your Mortgage Needs
​Homebridge Financial Services is a residential mortgage lender in Santa Maria.
“We’re a national company we have over 3,000 associates in over 250 retail branches throughout the country,” explained RJ Jazo, Production Support Coordinator for HomeBridge Financial Services. “What makes us unique here in Santa Maria is our ...read more

The 2017 California wildfire season consisted of 9,133 fires that burned more than 1.3 million acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It’s considered the most destructive on record — and in January, the recently-charred land caused severe mudslides during a deadly storm that shut down about 30 miles of Highway 101 between Northern and Southern ...read more

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems Central Coast offer commercial cleaning services for any size business, from large manufacturing down to small general offices. What makes the company unique is their franchise model.
“We’re in the business of putting people into business,” explained Greg Ibsen, President of Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems Central Coast. “Individuals will come to us and they will make an ...read more

The Good Samaritan Shelter recently unveiled their latest housing project in Santa Maria. The Cook Street Corridor, located at 607 West Cook Street, is a triplex consisting of three two bedroom apartments for the homeless community.
“The apartments are being made available to the homeless community who are able to rent the units at a subsidized rent,” explained Sylvia Bernard, Executive Director ...read more

We recently helped Fix Auto Santa Maria (formerly known as Premier Auto Body) celebrate their name change with a ribbon cutting!
Premier Auto Body had been around for 8 years when owner Hector Paz decided to change the name of the local auto body shop.
“I decided to join a network and change our name to Fix Auto Santa Maria,” Paz explained. “in that change we have acquired four insurance ...read more

The Chamber is thrilled to announce Paula Arnold of American Self-Storage as our Chamber Ambasador of the Quarter for October – December 2017!
Paula Arnold has lived in California most of her life, making her a true California girl. While her father was stationed at Vandenberg AFB, about 15 miles outside of Santa Maria. Paula attended local schools from the 2nd grade and making the move to the ...read more

Young Professionals Spotlight:
Natalie RucoboNatalie Rucobo
What is your profession/job title and how long have you been with the company?
My title is Advancement Specialist. I have been with the Allan Hancock College Foundation for about a year and a half now. Prior to this I was with the American Cancer Society in San Luis Obispo County.
What is your favorite thing about your ...read more

Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2018 Learning through Youth and Education
December’s Youth and Education Topic Day was a wonderful learning experience for Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2018. On December 2, 2017, the group explored education and opportunities for the youth of our community.
The first stop was St. Mary of the Assumption School where the Class was treated to a ...read more

Board Member Profile:
Donna Randolph, State Farm InsuranceDonna Randolph, State Farm Insurance
What is your profession/job title and how long have you been with the company?
I’m a proud State Farm Agent.
What did you choose this profession?
In high school at age16 I started as a student intern from ROP/Business class and 33 years later I own the agency. It’s a dream come true.
Why do you ...read more

Visitors Bureau Hits the Road, #SantaMariaStyle
Industry Trade Shows
Industry Trade Shows are one of the many working components within the Visitors Bureau services. Each year the Bureau, along with hotel partners, travel to industry trade shows that target various types of travelers. One of the primary focuses of the bureau is the meeting planner, which drives much of the mid-week business to ...read more

Urbane Cafe is located at 655 E. Betteravia Rd. in Santa Maria
We recently welcomed Urbane Cafe to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the Santa Maria community with a ribbon cutting! Located at 655 E. Betteravia Rd. in Santa Maria, the newly opened restaurant serves up freshly made sandwiches, salads and soups.
“Urbane Cafe is a fast, casual restaurant,” explained Christi Christian, Director ...read more

Our Mission at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is to be a…
– Catalyst for business growth
– Convener of leaders and influencers
– Champion for a stronger community
You may not have noticed … but the Chamber has been working hard on your behalf. Responding to our mission here’s a quick sampling of what we’ve been doing for members and the local business community recently.2017 ...read more

This week, California businesses began to legally sell recreational marijuana in California. More than 400 state licenseshave been issued so far, but the rollout may be slow. Cities or counties must first approve commercial marijuana sales, and localities can choose to ban or restrict recreational marijuana shops.
On November 8, 2016, Californians voted to pass Proposition 64, also known as the ...read more